Whichwood by Tahereh Mafi

Title: Whichwood (Furthermore #2)
Author: Tahereh Mafi
Pages: 368
Genre: Fantasy, Middle Grade
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House Canada
Release Date: November 14, 2017
Buy: AmazonCA| Kobo | Chapters Indigo
* Received for review by Penguin RandomHouse Canada*

Summary (Goodreads)

A new adventure about a girl who is fated to wash the bodies of the dead in this companion to Furthermore.

Our story begins on a frosty night…

Laylee can barely remember the happier times before her beloved mother died. Before her father, driven by grief, lost his wits (and his way). Before she was left as the sole remaining mordeshoor in the village of Whichwood, destined to spend her days washing the bodies of the dead and preparing their souls for the afterlife. It’s become easy to forget and easier still to ignore the way her hands are stiffening and turning silver, just like her hair, and her own ever-increasing loneliness and fear.

But soon, a pair of familiar strangers appears, and Laylee’s world is turned upside down as she rediscovers color, magic, and the healing power of friendship. 

Review: 

I loved Whichwood! As always Tahereh Mafi has written a beautiful story about friendship, magic and it was very detailed. This is a companion novel to Furthermore but it could be read individually. I'm slowly starting to get back into reading middle grade as one of my goals and Whichwood is a great start to that list. Plus look at the beautiful cover!!

Whichwood follows our main character Laylee who lives in Whichwood, set in the same world as Furthermore's Farenwood but its a totally a different city. Farenwood is where colours come to life while in Whichwood is a town of contrast. Laylee spends her days washing the dead and preparing them for the afterlife. Now she wants something new and sets off on an adventure with Alice and Oliver.

Tahereh Mafi is an amazing storyteller who knows how to hook her readers and create an interesting world + characters that you want to see this series become a movie eventually. Whichwood is such a creative read that you get to know more about Alice and Oliver from the Furthermore as well as more characters. If you haven't read any of Tahereh's books you definitely want to pick up any of them because when you are reading you feel like you are in the book and can imagine it. Be ready to follow this great adventure in Whichwood! You won't put it down.

4.5/5